FLYTIPPERS dumped a "disgusting" collection of household and garden waste on land near a popular beauty spot.

Residents were shocked to discover the massive pile of rubbish, including lawnmowers, paper and general waste, dumped in Ramparts Lane, Colchester over the weekend.

The waste was dumped near to the idyllic Friday Woods, which is Ministry of Defence owned land but is a hotspot for dogwalkers and nature lovers.

Councillor Dave Harris (Lab, Berechurch) notified Colchester Council's zone teams after being sent shocking pictures of the waste by resident Nicky Collins.

Gazette: Councillor Dave HarrisCouncillor Dave Harris

He said: "The rubbish was found dumped in Ramparts Lane, a beautiful area on the edge of the army base.

"It is an idyllic and quiet place which is why these people have obviously chosen them to dump the rubbish.

"Ruining our grassed areas in this semi rural area is disgusting."

Mr Harris called for those responsible to be named and shamed and if possible prosecuted by Colchester Council.

"It needs highlighting the fact these people who flytip are ruining our community areas and our environment," he said.

"It is particularly annoying because it is all stuff which is recyclable at the tip.

"If they can drive to these areas they could have driven to the skip which is around 3/4 of a mile away."

A spokesman for Colchester Council said bad weather had caused a delay in removing the rubbish, which was positioned down a steep embankment.

He said: "We are continuing investigations into the source of the flytip and are in discussion with the Ministry of Defence to help remove the rubbish as soon as possible.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said anyone caught dumping waste faced prosecution.

He added: “Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and anyone found carrying it out will be reported to the local authority."